I'm thinking about doing a 3200 mile road trip and was wondering about peoples experiences with changing their sprockets to lower rev's and improve gas mileage. My buddy got a substantial gain doing this with his Kaw250 but obviously that's a much different bike. Anyone have any experience with a smaller rear sprocket that yielded better mpg?

 

IMO, staying stock 16/46 will give you the best performance & mileage possible (as designed by factory Honda). Plus, your odo will remain accurate (unless you install a speedo healer).

 

I do alot of highway miles and always thought the f4i's rpm are a little high for highway speed (80+mph).
Picked up a +1 front (520 - 17 tooth) from ebay for about $25, which works with stock chain length and i freakin love it. Haven't gotten a speedo healer so I just add about 5mph to the indicated speed account for the difference. She now cruises at the puuurfect rpm, still with plently of power to pull the front up in 2nd gear.
Im not concerned with trackdays or max acceleration so its works out nicely.
The ODO indicates on average 150 miles to the tank. So even though im going further miles than it indicates, im still getting better mpg. not huge gains, but its something.

Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Speed, RPM, Chain & Sprockets Calculator helped with my decision.


I dont "think" a smaller rear sprocket (-2) will work with stock chain length. Plus a front sprocket swap is a 10 minute task, and easy to swap back. A rear sprocket isnt so simple.

 

150 to the tank? Niiice

I'm running stock gearing (I think; I haven't changed it, but the PO may have) and get about 120. 130 if I need a helpful gust of wind to get me to the gas station.

 

Nice! Thanks for the feedback. I may have to give that a try. Im also really interested in your "cruise control" setup. That may be a must do winter project before my trip.